Chapter 85: Chapter 85 Let the Elders come
The scent of antiseptic and herbal poultices filled the air as I made my way through the Shadow Pack infirmary. Despite the grim reminder of our recent battle with Marcus’s forces, I felt a swell of pride seeing how efficiently Johnson and Uncle Alessio were managing the recovery efforts.
"Alpha Victoria," Johnson greeted me with a respectful nod as I approached. His white coat was spotted with blood, but his expression remained calm and collected. "The warriors are recovering well. Most should be back on their feet within the week."
I smiled, relief washing over me. "Thank you both for your tireless work."
Uncle Alessio, his silver-streaked hair pulled back in a neat ponytail, looked up from bandaging a young warrior’s arm. "It is our honor to serve the pack," he said, his Italian accent more pronounced when tired. "These brave wolves fought valiantly."
I moved among the wounded, offering words of comfort and gratitude to each warrior. I needed them to know their sacrifices hadn’t gone unnoticed. My wolf, Ava, hummed with approval inside me.
"Victoria?" A familiar voice called from the infirmary entrance.
I turned to find Emma standing there, a basket covered with a checkered cloth in her arms, her honey-blonde hair pulled into a messy bun. The sight of my human best friend sent a wave of nostalgia through me. Despite everything that had changed in my life, Emma remained my anchor to normalcy.
"I brought your favorite rosemary bread," she said, lifting the cloth to reveal several still-steaming loaves. "And blueberry muffins for the wounded."
The warriors’ faces lit up at the mention of Emma’s legendary baking. I crossed the room and embraced her, inhaling the comforting scent of flour and vanilla that always clung to her clothes.
"You’re a godsend," I whispered. "Let’s take these to the common area. I think we need to talk."
Once we had distributed most of the baked goods, Emma and I retreated to a quiet corner table. The moment we sat down, her expression turned serious.
"So," she began, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Are you going to tell me what the hell happened back there? "
I winced, glancing around to ensure no one was within earshot. "It’s... complicated."
"Victoria," Emma leaned forward, her blue eyes intense. "We’ve been best friends since we were seven. I’ve stood by you through everything—your parents’ disappearance, Enzo’s bullying, even you suddenly becoming the mate of the most feared Alpha in the territory. I think I deserve the uncomplicated version."
She was right. After everything Emma had done for me, she deserved the truth.
Taking a deep breath, I explained what I had learned about my mother—that she hadn’t been human as I’d always believed, but a forest spirit, explaining my unique connection to plant life and why Marcus wanted me so badly.
Emma’s eyes widened with each revelation, but to her credit, she didn’t interrupt until I finished.
"Holy shit," she finally breathed. "My best friend is half werewolf, half forest fairy. That’s... that’s..."
"Crazy? Terrifying? The reason a psychopathic Alpha wants to dissect me?" I offered grimly.
"Amazing," Emma countered, grasping my hands across the table. "Victoria, do you realize what this means? You’ve always been special—not because of your bloodline or who your parents were—but because of who YOU are. And now you have the power to protect yourself and those you care about."
Tears pricked at my eyes. Leave it to Emma to see the silver lining in my supernatural identity crisis.
"You’ve changed so much," she continued softly. "Not just physically, though—damn girl—but you carry yourself differently now. You’ve found your strength."
"I don’t feel strong," I admitted. "Most days I feel like I’m fumbling through, trying not to disappoint everyone who’s counting on me."
Emma squeezed my hands. "That’s called being a leader, honey. And from where I’m sitting, you’re crushing it."
The infirmary door opened, drawing our attention. Lilith entered, looking exhausted. Dark circles shadowed her eyes, and her normally immaculate appearance showed signs of strain. When she spotted us, she hesitated briefly before approaching.
"Alpha Victoria," she greeted me with a respectful nod, then turned to Emma. "You must be the famous Emma. I’ve heard so much about your baking prowess."
Emma blushed slightly. "All good things, I hope? And please, just call me Emma. Any friend of Victoria’s doesn’t need to be formal with me."
I gestured to the empty chair. "Join us? There’s still half a loaf of rosemary bread left."
To my surprise, Lilith accepted, sinking gratefully into the chair. "Thank you. I haven’t eaten since... I can’t remember when."
As she took a bite of bread, a small moan of appreciation escaped her. "This is divine," she told Emma. "No wonder Alpha Victoria speaks so highly of your skills."
"Thanks," Emma grinned. "So you’re... Enzo’s mate?"
Lilith nodded, a flicker of pain crossing her features at the mention of her mate.
Emma winced. "I should apologize—I may have called him some... colorful names earlier. Before I understood everything."
A ghost of a smile touched Lilith’s lips. "No apology necessary. Enzo earned every name you could have called him, and worse." Her expression sobered. "Though now..."
"How is he?" I asked softly, surprised by how much I actually cared.
Lilith looked down at her hands. "Physically, he’s healing. Mentally..." She shook her head. "The betrayal by Aurora has broken something in him. He can’t reconcile the mother he thought he knew with the woman who used him as a pawn for decades."
"And the torture?" I pressed gently.
"He wakes screaming," Lilith whispered. "When anyone approaches him unexpectedly, he flinches. The doctors say he has severe PTSD from what Marcus did to him."
My chest tightened painfully. Despite everything Enzo had done to me, he was still my brother. We shared the same father, the same blood—and now, the same betrayal by Aurora.
"I’m sorry," I said, meaning it.
Lilith met my gaze, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "He doesn’t deserve your sympathy, Victoria. Not after what he did to you. But..." Her voice cracked slightly. "Thank you for giving it anyway."
Emma, sensing the emotional weight of the moment, tactfully changed the subject. "So, Lilith, Victoria tells me you’re in charge of pack relations? That sounds fascinating."
Gratitude flashed in Lilith’s eyes as she explained her role to Emma. Soon, the three of us were engaged in easy conversation, our age similarities making it feel almost like a normal girls’ chat.
After a while, Lilith turned back to me, her expression serious. "I wanted to ask a favor, Luna."
"Of course," I nodded.
"I need to focus on Enzo’s recovery in the coming weeks. The doctors believe having his mate close will help stabilize him." She bit her lip. "I know it’s asking a lot, but could someone temporarily take over my duties? I wouldn’t ask if—"
I reached out, covering her hand with mine. "Consider it done. Family comes first, Lilith. Always."
Tears filled her eyes as she squeezed my hand gratefully. "He doesn’t deserve you as a sister."
"Maybe not," I acknowledged. "But we’re pack now. All of us. And pack means no one gets left behind."
Impulsively, I pulled Lilith into a hug. She stiffened momentarily before melting into the embrace, a soft sob escaping her.
"It’s going to be okay," I promised, rubbing her back soothingly. "One day at a time."
The heavy thud of boots approaching interrupted our moment. We broke apart to find Tiny standing in the doorway, his massive frame nearly filling it completely.
"Luna Victoria," he said, his voice grave. "I apologize for the interruption, but we have an urgent situation."
The serious set of his jaw sent ice through my veins. "What is it?"
"The Council of Elders has arrived," he stated flatly. "They’re demanding an immediate audience regarding the Crimson Claw conflict and... rumors about your bloodline."
I felt the blood drain from my face. The Council of Elders—the supreme governing body of werewolf society—rarely left their chambers, and never without grave purpose. Their arrival could only mean one thing: our troubles with Marcus had attracted attention at the highest levels.
"Where is Leo?" I asked, rising to my feet.
"Alpha will meet you in the study first. I’ve already informed him."
I nodded, my decision made. "Tell the Elders we’ll join them shortly."
As Tiny departed, Emma caught my hand. "Victoria, what does this mean? Are you in danger?"
I squeezed her fingers reassuringly. "It’s just politics, Em." I tried for a smile, though it felt brittle on my lips. "Nothing Leo and I can’t handle."
Lilith, understanding the gravity of the situation, squared her shoulders. "I’ll help prepare the formal receiving room. The proper protocols must be observed." She cast me a meaningful look. "The Elders respect tradition above all else."
I nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Lilith."
As I strode from the infirmary toward the study, I felt the weight of the Luna’s mantle settle more firmly on my shoulders.
Ava stirred within me, and I felt the faint, responsive rustle of unseen plants around me, reminding me that I was neither alone nor powerless.
Let the Elders come. We would be ready.